B1. The only adaptation required for those with some experience is that of orientation to the mat. When doing forward
rolls or other movements, it is difficult to know what direction you are facing when you start or if you are veering off of the
mat during the roll. This can be avoided by taping a two-foot length of rope on the mat to line up on when beginning the routine
and by placing a sound source or a caller at the point at which the exercise will end. Simply have the athlete line up on the rope
and indicate your location by pointing at the "caller" who says "Here is the turn around point!" before
telling them to begin. In competition, the exercises are done on a diagonal and commonly the tape recorder playing the music for
the routine is placed at the opposite corner or turn around point, eliminating any need for sighted help. When the athlete reaches
the halfway point and turns around to start back, an instructor at the starting point gives one "End here" command and
the routine continues toward that command. Instructional techniques differ little from those used to teach any beginner, since
spotters commonly help the beginner through moves anyway.

B2 B3. Techniques are much like those described for B1 athletes, but coaches wearing highly visible clothing replace
the sound cues as points of reference.

Vaulting Horse

B1. The major difficulty here is mounting, since the location of the top of the horse is not known by the blind
athlete. It is usually best to start in reverse order from what is normally taught. In other words, start with dismounts, then
work towards mounts. To indicate the top of the horse, give it a firm slap for the mounter. The process of mounting is done
through step counting and much practice.

B2 B3. Marking the horse with strips of highly contrasting two-inch vinyl tape and placing it in good lighting are
helpful adaptations.

Balance Beam

B1 B2 B3. There are essentially no adaptations required except giving athletes a verbal cue to let them know if they
are about to go off of one end because of a miscalculation. Beginners will need to be told when to stop, but totally blind
athletes can master the length problem by knowing the distance it takes to do their routines, just as sighted athletes do.